The Story Behind Shared Table
Hospitality icon Tony Stewart partnered with Fair Food's Conscious Kitchen to launch Shared Table, a unique dining series bringing together New Zealand's leading chefs to create three canapés and a four-course dinner using rescued ingredients.
The Shared Table showcases how rescued food can be elevated into an exceptional dining experience while highlighting the importance of reducing food waste.
Hospitality Business featured The Shared Table, sharing the inspiration behind the event. Tony Stewart said,
"Chefs are naturally drawn to innovation. Working with rescued ingredients challenges them to rethink flavour, texture and presentation, proving that beauty and excellence can emerge from imperfection. It's not charity, its hospitality at its most human and generous. When we break bread together, we break barriers too."
Tony's journey also featured in the New Zealand Herald. The article explored his recovery following a diffuse axonal traumatic brain injury and how he found renewed purpose through Fair Food's Conscious Kitchen.
After his accident, Stewart was unable to speak or walk for a period of time. Today, he says his work with Fair Food has reshaped how he views success and purpose.
"It has also sharpened my understanding of legacy and how it's no longer about awards, reputation, or status to me," he says.
"It's about who I lift up, who eats better because of what we are doing, and what I can improve in the world when I may not always be able to improve myself."
2026 Chef Line Up:
Henry Onesemo - Sun, 26 July
Federico Schincariol & Michael Dearth - Thu, 20 Aug
Kārena & Kasey Bird - Thu, 17 Sep
Gavin Doyle & Giapo - Thu, 29 Oct
Jess Granada & Brian Campbell - Thu, 19 Nov
Join us at the Shared Table. Tickets are $180 and each one provides a week’s worth of groceries to three families in crisis.